Burglar put health at risk by breaking into asbestos-filled building in Syracuse

Syracuse, NY -- A burglar who took tools from a building undergoing renovations on James Street also put his health at risk, workers at the site told Syracuse police.

Police were called Tuesday to 615 James St. by workers removing asbestos at the building. Overnight Monday, someone broke into the building by breaking a three-by-three-foot hole through a brick wall, police said.

The building is secured on the first floor by plywood on the doors and windows and signs both inside and outside the building warn that asbestos removal is taking place inside, police records state.

Inside the building, there are safe areas and containment areas, said Bill McHale, foreman for Conifer-LeChase Construction, which is doing the asbestos removal.

The burglar entered into the containment areas after breaking into the house, McHale told police. The containment areas have active asbestos in them and are extremely dangerous, McHale told police.

Items taken in the burglary include a Bosch electric jackhammer, a Stihl gas-powered saw, two DeWalt reciprocating saws, ladders and scrap wire and copper, according to police reports.